Six individuals have been arrested following a police operation targeting TikTok shop influencers involved in the sale of counterfeit merchandise. Officers from the City of London Police’s Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) conducted a raid on a warehouse in Rotherham, where they discovered a suspect actively livestreaming the sale of illicit items.
Seizure of Counterfeit Goods
The operation led to the seizure of 26,849 counterfeit items, valued at over £1.1 million. Additionally, police recovered an estimated £1 million worth of suspected stolen clothing and trainers. The haul highlights the scale of fraudulent activity on social media platforms.
Modus Operandi
Police revealed that TikTok shop accounts frequently employ influencers to promote fake merchandise through livestreams broadcast from warehouse settings. These streams create a false impression of authenticity, enabling quick sales of counterfeit products to unsuspecting buyers.
The arrests were made on suspicion of distributing goods bearing false trademarks. PIPCU has issued a warning that selling counterfeit items online is illegal and will result in enforcement action. The investigation continues as authorities work to dismantle further networks involved in such illicit trade.
